Business Studies – A Level

Special Entry Requirements

In addition to the A Level entry requirements, you will need grade 5 in GCSE English Language.

Subject Intent

Business will encourage our learners to be inspired, motivated and challenged by following a broad, coherent, practical, satisfying and worthwhile course of study. It provides insight into, and experience of, how businesses work, stimulating our learners’ curiosity and helping to make informed choices about further study and about career choices. Our students will also have the opportunity to put their ideas, opinions, independence of thought and initiative to practical use in addition to developing a critical understanding of organisations and their ability to meet society’s needs and wants and understand that business behaviour can be studied from a range of perspectives.
In addition to students being aware of the ethical dilemmas and responsibilities faced by organisations and individuals we work on the development of transferable skills which are relevant to the world we live in – problem-solving, creative thinking, research, evaluation, communication, personal development and decision-making.
Business will open up a range of possibilities in the world of work, enterprise, further and higher education to our students and provides access to a range of career possibilities including banking, insurance, advertising, distribution, sales, accounting, law, education, central or local government and business consultancy.

Course Introduction

We offer OCR Business at A Level. Students will study a wide variety of topics including: enterprise, human resources, environmental factors, marketing, accounting and finance, production, ethics, international trade, the digital age, law, economics and change management. Emphasis throughout the entire course is on problem solving and decision-making. You will learn how to use a wide range of contemporary business tools and models and apply them to today’s businesses. The subject is problem solving by nature and involves students using and applying theory to specific businesses.

Preparing for Level 3 Business

We have created some transition packs to show you the kind of work that you will be doing at level 3 and to help you prepare for September.

Business A Level Transition Pack

Business A Level transition pack 2

If you have any questions about the course, please email admissions@s6f.org.uk

Course Modules

First Year Overview

The first year provides an introduction to the subject. Students will learn how businesses are classified and how and why they set objectives. They will also learn about the many external influences that have an impact on the success of a business. For example, students will consider the impact of the law and the economic environment on business performance. In the second part of the year students will learn about the four key functional areas of business. These are: marketing, accounting and finance, human resources and operations management. Students will learn how these functional areas can effectively work together to make a business successful.

Second Year Overview

In the second year students will develop their understanding. This will include consideration of the local business environment, the UK business environment and finally the global business environment. Students will be able to evaluate the application of complex business theories to a range of business scenarios and recommend strategies for improvement and/or growth.